Hudson River Trading Co. opens North Creek confectionery shop

Children enjoy ice cream outside the Hudson River Trading Company’s new confectionery shop on Main Street, North Creek.

The Hudson River Trading Company recently expanded, opening both a confectionery shop and a display room for the Trading Company’s home furnishing offerings.

Located in the former Andie’s Restaurant at Smith’s — which closed in the fall of 2012 — and next door to the main store on Main Street, the new shop offers soft ice cream, a variety of sweets that include Tim Record’s Adirondack Fudge and Barkeater Chocolates, and novelty toys. The display room allows customers with limited mobility to see the types of furniture and decorations the Hudson River Trading Company sells. Previously the display room had been located in the main store and required navigating a difficult set of stairs.

Hudson River Trading Company’s owner Laurie Arnheiter said she’s been planning to open a confectionery shop for years and thought it only made sense to include it when her store expanded into Smith’s.

“We sell so much chocolate to the visitors on the train that I knew they would love a sweet shop,” Arnheiter said. She also noted that the new shop has a country store feel going for it, making it a “destination experience” that will draw customers. She also hopes to build a strong local clientele, realizing that local patronage is key to running a successful business. The confectionery shop is planning to give out what Arnheiter calls “locals cards” — cards that reward nine ice cream purchases with a free cone or cup.

“We strive to serve the community and its residents,” Arnheiter said. “We aim to create a destination that enhances the North Creek experience.”

The confectionery shop currently only offers three varieties of ice cream — vanilla, chocolate and twist — but Arnheiter is working with Dobert’s Dairy to bring more flavors to the menu within the next couple weeks. In addition, there are plans for the confectionery shop to offer fresh baked pies in the future.

The shop’s hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon until 8 p.m.